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Processed alfalfa products, particularly cubes,
are regularly used in horse diets in North America. When cubes
are used as the only feed source, they are eaten in greater quantity
than forage in any other form. Palatability and nutrient content in
Canadian alfalfa products produce good horse health and performance.
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Alfalfa cubes can be used effectively as the sole
source of roughage for all classes of horses.
Bob Coleman, Horse Specialist, Alberta Agriculture
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Research on completely pelleted diets for race
horses using 16.8%, 31.2% and 37.5% dehydrated alfalfa was conducted in
1970. Horses fed the diets containing dehydrated alfalfa grew more
rapidly and had longer and stronger bones than the conventionally fed
animals. The diets were also found to be exceptionally palatable.
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Processed alfalfa products are excellent sources of:
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Digestible Energy
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Fibre
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Crude Protein
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Lysine
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Calcium
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Beta Carotene
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Beta Carotene is a precursor to vitamin A.
Dehydrated alfalfa products contain high levels of this nutrient.
Research suggests that it may be a factor in fertility in horses.
Horses will readily consume all of their forage requirements in the
form of alfalfa cubes or pellets, with less feed wasted compared to
long hay.
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Reduced feed wastage - cubes are not wasted even
when fed on the ground whereas 20% or more of long hay is wasted when
fed on the ground.
Consistent nutrient quality - little variation in cube texture
and nutrient levels within a grade because of minimum standards which
are maintained.
Ease of handling - can use mechanized handling equipment.
Intake control - horse owners can monitor and regulate daily
roughage intakes easier than with long hay.
Storage requirements reduced - because of a higher bulk density
cubes require less storage area.
Reduced transportation cost - due to increased bulk density,
more tons can be hauled, thereby decreasing transportation costs.
Dust is reduced - horses with respiratory problems can be fed
alfalfa cubes.
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Lactating Brood Mares (0 to 90 days):
8.2 kg grass hay
2.2 kg oats
50 grams 1:1 mineral mix (18% Ca:18% P)
2.2 kg dehydrated alfalfa pellets
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Lactating Brood Mares (90 to 180 days):
7.7 kg grass hay
40 grams 1:1 mineral mix (18% Ca:18% P)
1.8 kg dehydrated alfalfa pellets
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Mature Working Horses
7 kg grass hay
14 grams 1:1 mineral mix (18% Ca:18% P)
1.4 kg dehydrated alfalfa pellets
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Lactating Brood Mares (0 to 90 days):
10 kg alfalfa cubes
2.3 kg oats
30 grams 1:1 mineral mix (18% Ca:18% P)
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Lactating Brood Mares (90 to 180 days):
8 kg alfalfa cubes
33 grams 1:1 mineral mix (18% Ca:18% P)
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Growing Horses (Weanlings):
4.1 kg alfalfa cubes
2.3 kg 16% CP foal supplement
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Growing Horses (Yearlings):
5.5 kg alfalfa cubes
1.36 kg oats
340 grams 1:1 mineral mix (18% Ca:18% P)
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Mature Non-Working Horses:
8 kg alfalfa cubes
free choice salt and mineral
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Mature Working Horses:
7 kg alfalfa cubes
2 kg oats
free choice salt and mineral
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All diets formulated to 500 kg mature weight.
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